WELINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - The 14th round of super rugby on the weekend is the story of two captains as Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika won their third win on the same day, with both wins highlighting leadership.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere defeated Lautoka's Western Forces 38-7 in his final home game of the season in Drua on Saturday. The game is also the last game in front of home fans, including Ikanivere, who may travel overseas next year.
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A few hours later, Ardie Savea made a towering solo show, which led Moana Pasifika to beat defending champion Blues 27-21, for the first time ever to beat fellow Oaklanders. Savea is an inspiring figure for Moana Pasifika, featured in every stage of the game and won a key turnover at the end of the Blues in the Moana goal match.
The two Pacific teams only won twice on the same day: Drua beat the Queensland Reds in 2023, while Moana Pasifika beat the Valatans of NSW, and Moana Pasifika beat the Hurricanes 40-31 in the fourth round of this year, while Drua and Drua beat the Chiefs 28-24.
Ikanivere has been a staunch Drua, even before Drua was admitted to super rugby. He said goodbye in Steamy Lautoka with Caleb Muntz, Selesitino Ravutaumada and Isoeefo Masi on Saturday as Drua won at home for the fourth time this season.
Drewah was the last game and was already beyond the playoffs, but they showed they could still have an impact on the playoffs with two more regular season games. Their five-game attempts pushed the troops back to ninth and exited the playoffs. Drewah will play against Brisbane’s Queensland Reds in the final round, which can also rearrange the playoffs.
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Their fans are the best fans of super rugby, sending their departure players to celebrate Saturday's victory with joy.
"That's how we want to play every week," Ikanivere said. "It didn't happen, but it's a great way to end the season, especially at home. That's a great way for our fans, for our family and the entire Drua family."
Ikanivere then offered fans the tempting hope that his career at Drua might not have ended.
"There's no specific stuff yet. You might see me here again next year." "If it does happen, say goodbye to me."
Savea has been a tool of change for Moana Pasifika this year, unifying them, building confidence and leading them to their sixth win of the season, their best record ever. With Saturday's victory, they jumped Bruce to sixth place in the playoffs, even though they were tough on both the Chiefs and the Hurricanes' titles.
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“I’m proud of the boys standing on the quality blues,” Savia said. “I’m glad to win.
"This team is about uniting the people, not only (the team), but New Zealand and the entire Pacific. That's where we stand and what we are aiming."
Sevu's record
Winger Sevu Reece equals Tjperenara's 65th attempt score when the Crusaders beat Waratahs 48-33.
The victory put the Crusaders at 41 points, second place as Chiefs, but ranked third in scoring differences.
The Brumbies put the Reds in fourth place when they defeated Queensland Reds 24-14 for the first time this season.
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Wellington-based Hurricanes held fifth with a 24-20 victory over Dunedin-based Highlanders. The hurricane tried to get their victory blocked their victory during downtime.
Moana Pasifika ranks sixth, leading Bruce in seventh place than the spread.
The Valatans ranked eighth with only one slight chance to make the playoffs, while the match against the Western Forces and the Blues remained the same.
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